Scan barcode
A review by sproutedpages
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you SO much to NetGalley, Redhook Books/Orbit Books, and author S.T. Gibson for providing me with a digital proof copy of this novel! All opinions within this review are voluntarily given and entirely my own.
An Education in Malice is a sapphic, vampiric dark academia novel that is dripping with decadent prose, and it is a reminder of why I so deeply adore queer vampire novels: they are deliciously indulgent and passionate. And although the narrative voices are younger and very slightly less luxuriant than that of A Dowry of Blood, it feels appropriate given the more modern setting, and the ages of the viewpoint characters.
It is beyond evident that S.T. Gibson loves the characters that she creates (and the relationships that these characters cultivate), and those in An Education in Malice are no exception. The lust-tinged academic rivalry that Laura and Carmilla share is absolutely divine, and the manner in which their relationship continues to develop is very enjoyable. However, I would have prefered more time spent detailing the shift in the dynamic between Carmilla and Professor De Lafontaine, which begins (or becomes perceptible) around the halfway point of the novel. This is not necessarily a fault of An Education in Malice, but rather a reflection of my love of S.T. Gibson’s character writing, and my willingness (and desire) to read even the minutiae of the development of these characters.
I truly cherished A Dowry of Blood, and An Education in Malice has reaffirmed to me that S.T. Gibson is among my favorite contemporary gothic authors. I cannot wait to read what she publishes in the future!
An Education in Malice is a sapphic, vampiric dark academia novel that is dripping with decadent prose, and it is a reminder of why I so deeply adore queer vampire novels: they are deliciously indulgent and passionate. And although the narrative voices are younger and very slightly less luxuriant than that of A Dowry of Blood, it feels appropriate given the more modern setting, and the ages of the viewpoint characters.
It is beyond evident that S.T. Gibson loves the characters that she creates (and the relationships that these characters cultivate), and those in An Education in Malice are no exception. The lust-tinged academic rivalry that Laura and Carmilla share is absolutely divine, and the manner in which their relationship continues to develop is very enjoyable. However, I would have prefered more time spent detailing the shift in the dynamic between Carmilla and Professor De Lafontaine, which begins (or becomes perceptible) around the halfway point of the novel. This is not necessarily a fault of An Education in Malice, but rather a reflection of my love of S.T. Gibson’s character writing, and my willingness (and desire) to read even the minutiae of the development of these characters.
I truly cherished A Dowry of Blood, and An Education in Malice has reaffirmed to me that S.T. Gibson is among my favorite contemporary gothic authors. I cannot wait to read what she publishes in the future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Drug use, Murder, Sexual content, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, and Religious bigotry
CWs, as provided by the author: Uneven power dynamics, inappropriate relationships between a professor and students, toxic academic environments, blood, gore, murder, consensual sexual content (including public sex), kink (negotiated and spontaneous), alcohol and drug use, smoking, as well as brief references to: racist political policies, homophobia, and religious discrimination against women.